A method, system, and apparatus for testing one or more micro-magnetic switches on a wafer is described. A magnet is positioned adjacent to a first switch on the wafer. A probe card is positioned adjacent to the first switch. The probe card mounts a first set of probes and a second set of probes. The first set of probes interface with contact areas of a coil associated with the first switch. The second set of probes interface with conductors on the wafer associated with the cantilever of the first switch. A current source is electrically coupled to the first set of probes. The current source activates the coil of the first switch using the first set of probes to switch the cantilever from a first state to a second state. A switch state monitor is electrically coupled to the second set of probes. The switch state monitor determines whether the cantilever of the first switch is in the first state prior to the current source activating the coil of the first switch. The switch state monitor also determines whether the cantilever is in the second state after the current source activates the coil of the first switch. A stepper motor moves the wafer relative to the magnet and probe card to test further switches on the wafer. An inker marks a switch on the wafer that has been determined by the switch state monitor to be defective.
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1. A system for testing a plurality of micro-magnetic switches formed on a wafer, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches includes a cantilever and a coil, comprising:
a wafer chuck that holds a wafer;
at least one stepper motor that moves said wafer chuck to move the wafer;
a magnet proximate to the wafer that is positioned adjacent to a first switch of the plurality of switches;
a probe card proximate to the wafer that is positioned adjacent to the first switch, wherein the probe card mounts
a first set of probes that interface with contact areas of a coil associated with the first switch, and
a second set of probes that interface with conductors on the wafer associated with the cantilever of the first switch;
a current source electrically coupled to the first set of probes, wherein the current source activates the coil of the first switch using the first set of probes to switch the cantilever from a first state to a second state;
a source monitor unit electrically coupled to the second set of probes, wherein the source monitor unit determines whether the cantilever of the first switch is in the first state prior to the current source activating the coil of the first switch, and determines whether the cantilever is in the second state after the current source activates the coil of the first switch.
2. The system of
wherein said magnet induces a magnetization in a magnetic material of the cantilever of the first switch.
3. The system of
4. The system of
5. The system of
wherein said magnet induces a magnetization in a magnetic material of the cantilever of the second switch.
6. The system of
7. The system of
wherein said magnet induces a magnetization in a magnetic material of the cantilever corresponding to the switch of the plurality of switches when positioned closely adjacent thereto.
8. The system of
an inker for marking a switch on the wafer that has been determined by said source monitor unit to be defective.
9. The system of
a controller electrically coupled to said at least one stepper motor, said current source, and said source monitor unit.
10. The system of
optics that positions said magnet adjacent to the cantilever of the first switch.
11. The system of
wherein said probe card further mounts:
at least one additional first set of probes that interfaces with contact areas of at least one additional coil associated with the at least one additional switch on the wafer, and
at least one additional second set of probes that interfaces with conductors on the wafer associated with at least one additional cantilever of the at least one additional switch.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/462,312, filed Apr. 14, 2003, and continuation of the application No. 10/823,786 filed on Apr. 14, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,876 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to testing of electronic switches. More specifically, the present invention relates to the testing of a plurality of micro-magnetic switches on a wafer.
2. Background Art
Switches are typically electrically controlled two-state devices that open and close contacts to effect operation of devices in an electrical or optical circuit. Relays, for example, typically function as switches that activate or de-activate portions of electrical, optical or other devices. Relays are commonly used in many applications including telecommunications, radio frequency (RF) communications, portable electronics, consumer and industrial electronics, aerospace, and other systems. More recently, optical switches (also referred to as “optical relays” or simply “relays” herein) have been used to switch optical signals (such as those in optical communication systems) from one path to another.
Although the earliest relays were mechanical or solid-state devices, recent developments in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies and microelectronics manufacturing have made micro-electrostatic and micro-magnetic relays possible. Such micro-magnetic relays typically include an electromagnet that energizes an armature to make or break an electrical contact. When the magnet is de-energized, a spring or other mechanical force typically restores the armature to a quiescent position. Such relays typically exhibit a number of marked disadvantages, however, in that they generally exhibit only a single stable output (i.e., the quiescent state) and they are not latching (i.e., they do not retain a constant output as power is removed from the relay). Moreover, the spring required by conventional micro-magnetic relays may degrade or break over time.
Non-latching micro-magnetic relays are known. The relay includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field that intermittently opposes the field generated by the permanent magnet. The relay must consume power in the electromagnet to maintain at least one of the output states. Moreover, the power required to generate the opposing field would be significant, thus making the relay less desirable for use in space, portable electronics, and other applications that demand low power consumption.
A bi-stable, latching switch that does not require power to hold the states is therefore desired. Such a switch should also be reliable, simple in design, low-cost and easy to manufacture, and should be useful in optical and/or electrical environments.
Furthermore, to be more commercially viable, latching and non-latching switches should be manufacturable and testable in large quantities. Thus, a low-cost and efficient way of testing the operation of such switches after manufacturing is desirable. In particular, it would be desirable to be able to rapidly test large quantities of the switches.
A method, system, and apparatus for testing one or more micro-magnetic switches on a wafer is described. The switches on the wafer can be of any type, including single pull-single throw (SPST), single pull-double throw (SPDT), double pull-double throw (DPDT), or the like. The wafer can be populated entirely by the same type of switch (e.g., all SPDT), or can be populated by various switch types.
In an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of micro-magnetic switches formed on a wafer are tested. Each switch of the plurality of switches includes a cantilever on the wafer and a coil. A magnet is positioned adjacent to a cantilever of a first switch located on the wafer. The magnet induces a magnetization in a magnetic material of the cantilever. A first set of probes is interfaced with contact areas of the coil of the first switch associated with the cantilever. A second set of probes is interfaced with conductors associated with the cantilever of the same switch. A current is caused to flow through the coil using the first probes to switch the cantilever from a first state to a second state. After causing the current to flow through the coil, the second probes are then used to measure one or more electrical parameters related to the cantilever and conductors in the second state.
For example, a forward current can be caused to flow through the coil using the first probes to switch the cantilever from a known state or from an undetermined state to the first state. After causing the current to flow through the coil, the second probes can then be used to measure resistance or other parameters between the conductors in the first state. A current in a reverse direction relative to the forward current can then be caused to flow throw the coil using the first probes to switch the cantilever from the first state to the second state. The second probes can then be used to measure resistance and/or other parameters related to the cantilever and conductors in the second state.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the wafer is moved to position the magnet adjacent to further switches on the wafer to be tested. The first set of probes is interfaced with contact areas of coils associated with cantilevers of the further switches. The second set of probes is interfaced with conductors associated with the cantilevers of the further switches. The first set of probes is used to switch the further switches between the first and second states and to measure the current through the coil and/or other parameters. The second set of probes is used to measure resistance and/or other parameters related to the cantilevers in the first and second states.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, multiple switches on the wafer can be tested in parallel. Each magnet of a plurality of magnets is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch on the wafer. A first set of probes corresponding to each switch is interfaced with contact areas of coils associated with cantilevers of the corresponding switch. A second set of probes corresponding to each switch is interfaced with conductors associated with the cantilevers of the corresponding switch. The first sets of probes are used to switch corresponding switches between the first and second states. The second sets of probes are used to measure resistance and/or other parameters related to the cantilevers in the first and second states.
In an aspect of the present invention, an indication is provided that a switch on the wafer has failed or is defective when the cantilever is determined to not be in the first or second state when expected and/or the measured resistance or other parameters are not as expected.
In an aspect of the present invention, the conductors associated with the cantilever include a first conductor and a second conductor. During proper operation in the first state, the cantilever electrically couples the first conductor to the second conductor. Thus, in an aspect of the invention, a first probe of the second set of probes is electrically coupled with the first conductor, and a second probe of the second set of probes is electrically coupled to the second conductor. It is then determined whether the first conductor is electrically coupled to the second conductor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the conductors associated with the cantilever further include a third conductor and a fourth conductor. During proper operation in second state, the cantilever electrically couples the third conductor to the fourth conductor. Thus, in an aspect of the invention, a third probe of the second set of probes is electrically coupled with the third conductor, and a fourth probe of the second set of probes is electrically coupled with the fourth conductor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the first set of probes and the second set of probes are mounted to or held by a probe card. Prior to testing of the first switch, the probe card is positioned adjacent to the first switch.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system and apparatus for testing one or more micro-magnetic switches on a wafer is presented. A magnet is positioned adjacent to a first switch on the wafer. A probe card is positioned adjacent to the first switch. The probe card mounts a first set of probes and a second set of probes. The first set of probes interface with contact areas of a coil associated with the first switch. The second set of probes interface with conductors on the wafer associated with the cantilever of the first switch. A current source is electrically coupled to the first set of probes. The current source activates the coil of the first switch using the first set of probes to switch the cantilever from a first state to a second state. Electrical measuring equipment or devices are electrically coupled to the second set of probes. The equipment/devices measure resistance and/or other parameters, and determine whether the cantilever of the first switch switches properly between the first state and second state as expected. One or more stepper motors can move the wafer relative to the magnet and probe card to test further switches on the wafer.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a failed switch marker marks a switch on the wafer that has been determined by the electrically measured resistance and/or other parameters to be defective.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a controller is electrically coupled to the one or more stepper motors, the current source, and the switch state monitor. The controller controls operation of the wafer test system and apparatus.
In a further aspect of the present invention, an optical device is used to initially position the magnet adjacent to the cantilever of the first switch. The magnet is mounted adjacent to the optical device. In an alternative aspect, the magnet has a centrally located opening. The magnet is mounted on the front end of the optical device, or to another mechanism that holds the magnet adjacent to the optical device and switches. The magnet is positioned adjacent to the cantilever of the first switch by viewing the cantilever of the first switch through the opening in the magnet using the optical device.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, multiple switches can be tested simultaneously. One or more additional magnets are held in a fixed position relative to the first magnet. The one or more additional magnets are positioned adjacent to one or more additional switches of the plurality of switches. The probe card further mounts one or more additional first sets of probes that interface with contact areas of one or more additional coils associated with the one or more additional switches on the wafer. One or more additional second sets of probes interface with conductors on the wafer associated with one or more additional cantilevers of the one or more additional switches.
After test, the latching or non-latching micro-magnetic switches can be separated from the wafer, and can be used in a wide range of products including household and industrial appliances, consumer electronics, military hardware, medical devices and vehicles of all types, just to name a few broad categories of goods. The micro-magnetic switch packages of the present invention have the advantages of compactness, simplicity of fabrication, and have good performance at high frequencies.
These and other objects, advantages and features will become readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the invention.
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention are hereinafter described in the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar parts in the similar views.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.
Introduction
It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, manufacturing, MEMS technologies and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, for purposes of brevity, the invention is frequently described herein as pertaining to a micro-electronically-machined relay for use in electrical or electronic systems. It should be appreciated that many other manufacturing techniques could be used to create the relays described herein, and that the techniques described herein could be used in mechanical relays, optical relays or any other switching device. Further, the techniques would be suitable for application in electrical systems, optical systems, consumer electronics, industrial electronics, wireless systems, space applications, or any other application.
The terms, chip, integrated circuit, monolithic device, semiconductor device, and microelectronic device, are often used interchangeably in this field. The present invention is applicable to all the above as they are generally understood in the field.
The terms metal line, transmission line, interconnect line, trace, wire, conductor, signal path and signaling medium are all related. The related terms listed above, are generally interchangeable, and appear in order from specific to general. In this field, metal lines are sometimes referred to as traces, wires, lines, interconnect or simply metal. Metal lines, generally aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) or an alloy of Al and Cu, are conductors that provide signal paths for coupling or interconnecting, electrical circuitry. Conductors other than metal are available in microelectronic devices. Materials such as doped polysilicon, doped single-crystal silicon (often referred to simply as diffusion, regardless of whether such doping is achieved by thermal diffusion or ion implantation), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), and refractory metal silicides are examples of other conductors.
The terms contact and via, both refer to structures for electrical connection of conductors from different interconnect levels. These terms are sometimes used in the art to describe both an opening in an insulator in which the structure will be completed, and the completed structure itself. For purposes of this disclosure, contact and via refer to the completed structure.
The term vertical, as used herein, means substantially orthogonal to the surface of a substrate. Moreover, it should be understood that the spatial descriptions (e.g., “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, etc.) made herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical latching relays can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.
The above-described micro-magnetic latching switch is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,602 (titled Electronically Switching Latching Micro-magnetic Relay And Method of Operating Same). This patent provides a thorough background on micro-magnetic latching switches and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
An overview of an example latching switch that can be tested according to the present invention is described in the following sections. This is followed by a detailed description of embodiments for testing the operation of micro-magnetic switches.
Overview of a Latching Switch
Magnet 102 is any type of magnet such as a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or any other type of magnet capable of generating a magnetic field H0 134, as described more fully below. By way of example and not limitation, the magnet 102 can be a model 59-P09213T001 magnet available from the Dexter Magnetic Technologies corporation of Fremont, Calif., although of course other types of magnets could be used. Magnetic field 134 can be generated in any manner and with any magnitude, such as from about 1 Oersted to 104 Oersted or more. The strength of the field depends on the force required to hold the cantilever in a given state, and thus is implementation dependent. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
Substrate 104 is formed of any type of substrate material such as silicon, gallium arsenide, glass, plastic, metal or any other substrate material. In various embodiments, substrate 104 can be coated with an insulating material (such as an oxide) and planarized or otherwise made flat. In various embodiments, a number of latching relays 100 can share a single substrate 104. Alternatively, other devices (such as transistors, diodes, or other electronic devices) could be formed upon substrate 104 along with one or more relays 100 using, for example, conventional integrated circuit manufacturing techniques. Alternatively, magnet 102 could be used as a substrate and the additional components discussed below could be formed directly on magnet 102. In such embodiments, a separate substrate 104 may not be required.
Insulating layer 106 is formed of any material such as oxide or another insulator such as a thin-film insulator. In an exemplary embodiment, insulating layer is formed of Probimide 7510 material. Insulating layer 106 suitably houses conductor 114. Conductor 114 is shown in
Cantilever (moveable element) 112 is any armature, extension, outcropping or member that is capable of being affected by magnetic force. In the embodiment shown in
Although the dimensions of cantilever 112 can vary dramatically from implementation to implementation, an exemplary cantilever 112 suitable for use in a micro-magnetic relay 100 can be on the order of 10-1000 microns in length, 1-40 microns in thickness, and 2-600 microns in width. For example, an exemplary cantilever in accordance with the embodiment shown in
Contact 108 and staging layer 110 are placed on insulating layer 106, as appropriate. In various embodiments, staging layer 110 supports cantilever 112 above insulating layer 106, creating a gap 116 that can be vacuum or can become filled with air or another gas or liquid such as oil. Although the size of gap 116 varies widely with different implementations, an exemplary gap 116 can be on the order of 1-100 microns, such as about 20 microns, Contact 108 can receive cantilever 112 when relay 100 is in a closed state, as described below. Contact 108 and staging layer 110 can be formed of any conducting material such as gold, gold alloy, silver, copper, aluminum, metal or the like. In various embodiments, contact 108 and staging layer 110 are formed of similar conducting materials, and the relay is considered to be “closed” when cantilever 112 completes a circuit between staging layer 110 and contact 108. In certain embodiments wherein cantilever 112 does not conduct electricity, staging layer 110 can be formulated of non-conducting material such as Probimide material, oxide, or any other material. Additionally, alternate embodiments may not require staging layer 110 if cantilever 112 is otherwise supported above insulating layer 106.
Alternatively, cantilever 112 can be made into a “hinged” arrangement. For example,
Relay 100 can be formed in any number of sizes, proportions, and configurations.
Principle of Operation of a Micro-Magnetic Latching Switch
When it is in the “down” position, the cantilever makes electrical contact with the bottom conductor, and the switch is “ON” (also called the “closed” state). When the contact end is “up”, the switch is “OFF” (also called the “open” state). These two stable states produce the switching function by the moveable cantilever element. The permanent magnet holds the cantilever in either the “up” or the “down” position after switching, making the device a latching relay. A current is passed through the coil (e.g., the coil is energized) only during a brief (temporary) period of time to transition between the two states.
(i) Method to Produce Bi-Stability
The principle by which bi-stability is produced is illustrated with reference to
(ii) Electrical Switching
If the bi-directional magnetization along the easy axis of the cantilever arising from H0 can be momentarily reversed by applying a second magnetic field to overcome the influence of (H0), then it is possible to achieve a switchable latching relay. This scenario is realized by situating a planar coil under or over the cantilever to produce the required temporary switching field. The planar coil geometry was chosen because it is relatively simple to fabricate, though other structures (such as a wrap-around, three dimensional type) are also possible. The magnetic field (Hcoil) lines generated by a short current pulse loop around the coil. It is mainly the >-component (along the cantilever, see
The operation principle can be summarized as follows: A permalloy cantilever in a uniform (in practice, the field can be just approximately uniform) magnetic field can have a clockwise or a counterclockwise torque depending on the angle between its long axis (easy axis, L) and the field. Two bi-stable states are possible when other forces can balance die torque. A coil can generate a momentary magnetic field to switch the orientation of magnetization (vector m) along the cantilever and thus switch the cantilever between the two states.
Relaxed Alignment of Magnets
To address the issue of relaxing the magnet alignment requirement, the inventors have developed a technique to create perpendicular magnetic fields in a relatively large region around the cantilever. The invention is based on the fact that the magnetic field lines in a low permeability media (e.g., air) are basically perpendicular to the surface of a very high permeability material (e.g., materials that are easily magnetized, such as permalloy). When the cantilever is placed in proximity to such a surface and the cantilever's horizontal plane is parallel to the surface of the high permeability material, the above stated objectives can be at least partially achieved. The generic scheme is described below, followed by illustrative embodiments of the invention.
The boundary conditions for the magnetic flux density (B) and magnetic field (H) follow the following relationships:
B2Xn=B1Xn, B2×n=(μ2/μ1)B1×n
or
H2Xn=(μ2/μ1)H1Xn, H2×n=H1×n
If μ1>>μ2, the normal component of H2 is much larger than the normal component of H1, as shown in
This property, where the magnetic field is normal to the boundary surface of a high-permeability material, and the placement of the cantilever (i.e., soft magnetic) with its horizontal plane parallel to the surface of the high-permeability material, can be used in many different configurations to relax the permanent magnet alignment requirement.
The term “micro-magnetic switch” will hereafter be used to refer to either the latching or non-latching variety.
Embodiments for Testing Micro-Magnetic Switches
The micro-magnetic latching switches described above, and other types of micro-magnetic switches, can be formed on wafers in large numbers. The micro-magnetic switches can be latching and/or non-latching switches. According to embodiments of the present invention, the micro-magnetic latching switches are tested on the wafer. After testing, the switches can be separated from the wafer as needed.
Structural and operational implementations for testing micro-magnetic switches on a wafer according to the present invention are described in detail below. These embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Additional embodiments for testing micro-magnetic switches will become apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein.
Note that for illustrative purposes, configuration 400 is described below in terms of testing a switch 100. However, configuration 400 can be used to test other types of switches. Furthermore, a plurality of switches 100 are present on wafer 416 even though only a single switch 100 is shown on wafer 416 in
In the embodiment shown in
Controller 402 controls operation of wafer test configuration 400. Controller 402 can be any processor, multi-processor, computer system, or other controlling device or system. Controller 402 may include hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, to perform its functions. Details of the operation of wafer test configuration 400, as controlled by controller 402, are provided below. Controller 402 is coupled to current source 404, switch state monitor 406, failed switch marker 408, and stepper controller 410, by respective signals 412a-412d. Signals 412a-412d can be individual signal lines, can be included in a bus, or can be segments of a single signal line 412. For example, a single signal line 412 can be a special-purpose or industry standard interface, such as an IEEE 488 interface, or other industry standard interface.
Current source 404 supplies a current to actuate the coil of switch 100 during testing. Current source 404 is electrically coupled to first set of probes 420, which interfaces with contacts of the coil of switch 100 on wafer 416. Current source 404 can be any device that can supply a sufficient current to actuate a coil of switch 100. For example, current source 404 can be any type of commercially available or special purpose voltage supply or current supply. In an embodiment, current source 404 can be a commercially available source monitor unit that can supply a current, such as manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, Calif., or other manufacturer of source monitor units. Current source 404 may couple with a single set of probes 420, or in an alternative embodiment, can couple to multiple sets of probes 420 for supplying current to coils of multiple switches 100 in parallel. Thus, current source 404 can be a single or multi-channel current supply or source monitor unit. Current source 400 supplies a current as directed by controller 402.
Switch state monitor 406 determines whether the switch 100 under test has properly switched into its first and second states as directed by the configuration 400. In an embodiment, switch state monitor 406 is electrically coupled to second set of probes 430. The second set of probes 430 interface with conductors/contacts of switch 100. The second set of probes 430 can determine whether, in an “ON” state, switch 100 provides an electrical connection between the electrical conductors/contacts, and when the switch 100 is off, whether an open circuit exists between the electrical conductors/contacts. Switch state monitor 406 can be any electrical equipment or device that is capable of providing this function. For example, switch state monitor 406 can be an Ohmmeter. In another example, switch state monitor can be a device that supplies a voltage or current to a first contact and can measure whether that voltage or current is present at the second contact when switch 100. Other types of devices are suitable for switch state monitor 406. For example, switch state monitor 406 can be a suitable source monitor unit as manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, Calif., or by another such manufacturer. Switch state monitor 406 can couple with a single second set of probes 430, or in an alternative embodiment, can couple to multiple second sets of probes 430 for monitoring multiple switches 100 in parallel. Thus, switch state monitor 406 can be a single or multi-channel device. Switch state monitor 406 is controlled by controller 402.
Failed switch marker 408 is used to provide an indication that a switch 100 has failed, as determined by switch state monitor 406. For example, failed switch marker 408 is coupled to inker probe 440, which marks a failed switch 100 with ink or other marking substance. Inker probe 440 can supply any type of substance to mark a failed or defective switch 100, including an ink, a gel, an acid, an epoxy, or any other type of substance. Failed switch marker 408 can be any commercially available device, or can be a specially designed device suitable for this purpose. For example, failed switch marker 408 can be an inker device as manufactured by Micromanipulator, Carson City, Nev., or any other manufacturer of inkers. Any number of one or more inker probes 440 can be coupled to failed switch marker 408 to mark failed switches. Failed switch marker 408 is directed by controller 402 to mark the defective switches 100 on wafer 416. In an alternative embodiment, other processes can be used to keep track of failed switches on wafer 416, and therefore, failed switch marker 408 may not be necessary. For example, in an embodiment, controller 402 can store the location and number of failed switches of wafer 416 in a memory device, so that this information can be used to later eliminate failed switches 100.
Stepper controller 410 receives signals from controller 402 to control the movement of wafer 416 during test. Wafer 416 is moved to interface probes 420 and 430, and magnet 450 with the various switches 100 under test. Stepper controller 410 provides a drive signal 418 to a wafer drive motor 414, which actually moves wafer 416. In embodiments, wafer drive motor 414 can move wafer 416 along one or more of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, as indicated by axis 460. In the embodiment of
Magnet 450 is positioned adjacent to wafer 416, close to a switch 100 that is being tested. Magnet 450 functions similarly to permanent magnet 102 as described above with respect to
Further detail of switch 100 is shown in
As shown in
Note that in an alternative embodiment, probe card 502 can be moved towards wafer 416 to interface with switch 100, rather than moving wafer 416 towards wafer 416.
In an embodiment, prior to the initiation of testing of switches on wafer 416, the initial positions of magnet 450 and probe card 502 relative to the first switch 100 are set. Magnet 450 and probe card 502 can be initially positioned simultaneously, or independently. Magnet 450 and/or probe card 502 can be initially positioned adjacent to the first switch 100 automatically or manually. In an automatic initial positioning embodiment, probe card 502 and/or magnet 450 can be positioned adjacent to the first switch 100 according to an optical and/or mechanical positioning mechanism, which may or may not be computer controlled, such as by controller 402. After the initial positions of magnet 450 and probe card 502 are set with reference to the first switch 100, movement of wafer 416 can be accurately controlled to position further switches 100 adjacent to magnet 450 and probe card 502 without having to further adjust the positions of magnet 450 and probe card 502.
For example,
In embodiments, magnet 450 and probe card 502 can be moved in any or all of the x, y, and z axes (such as indicated by axes 610), in order to be positioned over the first switch 100. Once magnet 450 and/or probe card 502 are initially positioned, they can remain in the initial position through testing of wafer 416 while wafer 416 is moved relative to them.
Embodiments of the present invention test one or more switches of the plurality of switches 100 on a wafer 416. For example,
When a switch is determined to have failed, inker probe 440 (not shown in
Furthermore,
In the embodiment shown in
Switch state monitor 406 of
After testing the first state of switch 100, switch 100 is caused to change states. For example, current source 404 provides a current through coil 114 using first and second probes 420a and 420b. When switch 100 is operating properly, cantilever 112 of switch 100 will change states during application of this current. Switch state monitor 406 can then determine whether switch 100 is properly in the second state. For example, if the second state is an “ON” state, cantilever 112 should be electrically conductive between first and second contacts 108a and 108b (as shown by conductive path 1010). If probes 430a and 430b are electrically coupled, then switch 100 is operating properly in the second state. If first and second probes 430a and 430b are not electrically coupled, then switch 100 is not operating properly in the second state, and should be marked as failed by failed switch marker 408.
In the discussion above, for illustrative purposes, the first state was described as an “OFF” state, and the second state was described as an “ON” state. Note that in the embodiments herein, however, the first state can be considered either an “ON” or “OFF” state, while the second state is considered the opposite “OFF” or “ON” state, respectively.
Note that for the embodiments described herein, a switch 100 can be toggled between the first and second states, and tested in each state each time the switch 100 is toggled, as many times as desired.
Embodiments for Testing Switches on a Wafer in Parallel
According to further embodiments of the present invention, multiple switches can be tested in parallel. For example,
As shown in
Example Process Embodiments for Testing Micro-Magnetic Switches
Flowchart 1500 begins with step 1502. In step 1502, a probe card that holds a first set of probes and a second set of probes is positioned adjacent to a first switch on the wafer. For example, in an embodiment the probe card is probe card 502, as shown in
Note that in some embodiments, a probe card is not used, and therefore step 1502 may not be necessary.
In step 1504, a magnet is positioned adjacent to a cantilever of a first switch located on the wafer. For example, the magnet is magnet 450, which is positioned adjacent to cantilever 112 of switch 100 on wafer 416, as shown in
In step 1506, the first set of probes is interfaced with contact areas of a coil associated with the cantilever. For example, in an embodiment, the first set of probes is first set of probes 420a/420b, which interface with coil contacts 550a/550b of switch 100 on the surface of wafer 416. First set of probes 420a/420b interface with contact areas 550a/550b when wafer 416 is moved into contact with them.
In step 1508, the second set of probes is interfaced with conductors for signals associated with the cantilever. For example, in an embodiment, the second set of probes is second set of probes 430a/430b, which interface with contact areas or conductors 108a/108b of switch 100 on the surface of wafer 416. The second set of probes 430a/430b interface with contacts 108a/108b when wafer 416 is moved towards probe card 502 (or probe card 502 is moved toward wafer 416) until contact is made.
In step 1510, whether the cantilever is in a first state is determined with the second set of probes. As described above, in embodiments, cantilever 112 can be in either a first state or a second state. The first state can be an “ON” or “OFF” state, while the second state is the opposite off or “ON” state. As described above, switch state monitor 406 may measure a resistance, or supply and measure a current and/or a voltage between the second set of probes 430 to determine whether cantilever 112 is in the proper state. For example, in
When the first state is an “ON” state, probes 430 determine whether an electrical connection is formed therebetween by cantilever 112. If the first state is an “OFF” state, first and second probes 430a and 430b determine whether there is an open circuit residing between them.
In step 1512, a current is caused to flow through the coil with the first set of probes to switch the cantilever from the first state to a second state. For example, in an embodiment, the current is supplied by current source 404. The current flows through coil 114 of switch 100 using first set of probes 420a and 420b. The current causes cantilever 112 to switch from the first state to the second state, when switch 100 is operating properly.
In step 1514, whether the cantilever is in the second state is determined with the second set of probes. Similarly to the description above for step 1510, second set of probes 430 are used to determine whether cantilever 112 is in the second state. If the second state is an “OFF” state, probes 430 will be used to determine whether there is an open circuit between them. If the second state is an “ON” state, probes 430 will determine whether there is an electrical connection formed between them. For example, in the case of
In step 1516, an indication is provided that the first switch has failed when the cantilever is determined to not be in the first state during step 1510 and/or is determined to not be in the second state during step 1514. For example, the indication is provided by failed switch marker 408. Failed switch marker 408 provides an indication that a switch has failed by causing inker probe 440 to mark the defective switch 100. Inker probe 440 marks the defective switch 100 with a mark 902, such as shown in
In step 1520, steps 1506-1516 are repeated for the another switch. For example, these steps described above for testing a switch are performed on the second switch 100.
In step 1522, steps 1518 and 1520 are repeated for each switch of a plurality of switches on the wafer. For example, in an embodiment, wafer 416 may again be moved as in step 1518, to position further switches 100 adjacent to magnet 450 and probe card 502. Each switch 100 is tested when positioned adjacent to magnet 450 and probe card 502. In this manner, a plurality of switches 100 on wafer 416 may be tested, and marked for failure if needed.
Flowchart 1500 can also include steps for testing switches in parallel, as described above. Such steps would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Moreover, the steps recited in any method claims may be executed in any order. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given above. Finally, it should be emphasized that none of the elements or components described above are essential or critical to the practice of the invention, except as specifically noted herein.
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Aug 10 2004 | WEI, CHENG PING | MAGFUSION, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019853 | /0656 | |
Aug 10 2004 | SHEN, JUN | MAGFUSION, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019853 | /0656 | |
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Jul 24 2006 | MAGFUSION, INC | Schneider Electric Industries SAS | CONFIRMATORY ASSIGNMENT | 018194 | /0534 |
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